Diplo Africa Newsletter
July-September 2024
Experts discuss the role of cyber tools in disaster management
The webinar, moderated by Dr Katherine Getao, delved into the sophisticated use of cyber tools for disaster management, with a panel of experts including Mwende Njiraini from Diplo, Angela Oduor Lungati from Ushahidi, Kelvin Njenga of Kenya Red Cross, Alphonso Wilson from the Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and humanitarian lawyer Grace Mutung’u.
Mwende Njiraini opened the discussion by drawing an allegorical parallel between the biblical story of Noah and modern disaster management, setting the stage for a dialogue that intertwined historical context with contemporary technological advancements in the field.
A central theme was the crucial role of community involvement in disaster response. The panel agreed that communities are often first responders and should be equipped with necessary tools and training. Kelvin Njenga highlighted the Kenya Red Cross’ use of community-based surveillance to preempt and manage health emergencies, such as cholera and COVID-19.
The ethical considerations of data collection during disasters were examined, with Grace Mutung’u emphasising the need for higher ethical standards due to challenges in obtaining consent and the power imbalance between data collectors and affected individuals. She advocated for data minimisation and the potential benefits of collecting additional data for future disaster preparedness.
Angela Oduor Lungati discussed Ushahidi – an open source platform which uses user-generated reports to collate and map data from individuals affected by disasters, which informs response efforts. She pointed out the challenges in extracting timely insights from vast data collections and the need for better data-sharing frameworks and contextualisation of tools for local stakeholders.
Kelvin Njenga discussed the use of technology by the Kenya Red Cross, including communication platforms, mapping tools, and drones, and the development of predictive platforms with partners like Microsoft and Safaricom. The platforms anticipate population movements during disasters for better resource allocation and response.
Alphonso Wilson brought a West African perspective, highlighting the role of technology in translating the Bible into local languages for better understanding during disasters. He stressed the need for improved data management systems in Liberia, operational support, and the establishment of emergency response teams, especially in rural areas.
Dr Michelle Wangui shared her wish list, which included better risk prediction that would improve advanced preparation and response, and increased communication with communities to inspire health-promoting behavioural changes.
The issue of climate change was also acknowledged as a pressing concern, with Angela Oduor Lungati calling for more contextualisation and understanding of climate change at the local level to drive collective action. Alphonso Wilson echoed this sentiment, urging African leaders to take responsibility for addressing climate change and its impacts.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing were identified as essential for improving disaster management practices globally.
The webinar successfully illuminated the multifaceted approach required in disaster management, encompassing technology, community engagement, ethical data practices, policy development, and a concerted effort to tackle climate change. The session ended with a call for participants to suggest topics or offer to be panellists for future webinars, emphasising the need for African participation and perspectives in these discussions.
Kenya Internet Governance Forum
The Kenya Internet Governance Forum (Kenya IGF) took place on 1 August with a focus on the impact of digital technologies across various sectors and the need to balance innovation with potential risks. Opening remarks by Dr Grace Githaiga and Ali Hussein highlighted the importance of multistakeholder engagement in shaping the future of the internet.
Key Highlights
– Government vision for Digital Kenya: PS Tanui outlined Kenya’s digital transformation goals, focusing on infrastructure development, digital inclusion, and collaboration. Investments in submarine cables and fibre optic networks aim to boost ICT’s contribution to the GDP and create jobs. Tanui stressed the need for improved digital literacy and responsible technology use.
Panel topics
- Building a multistakeholder digital future: The need for open, transparent, and inclusive internet governance was emphasised. While challenges include digital literacy, accessibility, and internet shutdowns. Solutions suggested included tax incentives for affordable devices, local manufacturing, and AI frameworks.
- Digital public infrastructure for economic development: Focused on collaborative strategies for equitable access and socioeconomic progress. Key issues included connectivity, high costs, and language barriers. Calls to action included broad engagement in policymaking and inclusive design.
- Fostering a secure digital economy: Discussed the importance of resilience in the fintech sector, leveraging cybersecurity, and addressing privacy concerns. Collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society is crucial to strengthen Kenya’s digital economy.
- International cooperation for a secure internet: Highlighted the need for global partnerships to combat misinformation and ensure human rights online. The session emphasised the role of governments, private sector, and civil society in promoting an open and secure internet.
- Youth and children participation: Presentations from the Youth IGF and a video from Watoto Watch showcased the meaningful participation of younger generations in internet governance discussions.
- Technology facilitated gender-based violence and online child sexual exploitation: The final panel discussed the need for robust legal frameworks, international collaboration, and capacity building to tackle TFGBV and online child sexual exploitation. It highlighted the importance of education, awareness campaigns, and a multistakeholder approach to create safe digital spaces.
Overall, the forum underscored the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation in navigating the challenges and opportunities of internet governance in Kenya.
Kenya Internet Summit and Ke awards
The Kenya Internet Summit and Ke awards was held on 14 – 15 August 2024 with the theme “Brigding the digital divide & unleashing the power of partnerships”. Key points arising from the event included discussions on expanding internet access to bridge the digital divide and strategies to enhance digital literacy and infrastructure to promote inclusivity.
The Power of Partnerships was considered with an emphasis on collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society to advance internet accessibility. The event ended with the Ke Awards which was a recognition of registrars making significant contributions to Kenya’s internet development and digital economy through .Ke domains. The event underscored the importance of partnerships and the need for collective action in addressing challenges related to digital equity and inclusivity in Kenya.
Interested in publishing internet governance-related blog posts to our Africa digital diplomacy and governance page?
Contact Diplo’s African Initiative Coordinator, Mwende Njiraini.
Diplo: Effective and inclusive diplomacy
Diplo is a non-profit foundation established by the governments of Malta and Switzerland. Diplo works to increase the role of small and developing states, and to improve global governance and international policy development.
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